The Nile River runs through northeastern Africa and is known as the world's longest river. For thousands of years it has shaped the land along its banks, and it remains one of the continent's most important waterways. Visitors may also know it as the River Nile.
A river that shaped a civilization
The Nile was the lifeline of ancient Egyptian civilization. Its waters and the fertile land beside them supported farming, settlement and trade, and its course still gives the region much of its character. Walking or sailing along it today, a visitor can sense how closely the river and the life of the valley have always been bound together.
A destination for travellers
The river is also central to modern tourism. Its banks offer views of towns, farmland and the everyday rhythm of riverside life, and boats on the water are a common way to see the landscape from a different angle. Those interested in history will find that much of what they read about ancient Egypt relates directly to the places the Nile passes through.
Planning a visit
- Think about which stretch of the river you want to see, since it flows through several countries and very different landscapes.
- Combine a visit to the river with the historic sites and cities nearby, which reflect the civilization it supported.
- Check local arrangements for boat trips and guided visits before you travel.
